It is usual for people to talk about having a family member diagnosed with diabetes, but what about when it is a furry family member who is diagnosed with diabetes?

Actually, diabetic dogs are not as unusual as people may think. Studies show that the number of diabetic dogs has tripled in the last thirty years and that the disease progresses 46% faster in dogs than in humans. Furthermore, 50% of diagnosed dogs develop additional health complications like urinary tract problems and cataracts. Staying educated on how to take care of your diabetic dog is key to their stability and well-being. If mistreated, diabetes can lead to a coma or death.

There are two types of diabetes in dogs:

1.Type I: caused by the pancreas’ inability to produce the right amount of insulin, which makes dogs insulin-dependent. It is also the most common type of diabetes in dogs.

2.Type II: caused by the poor production of insulin and accompanied with an inadequate response to it.

Daily special care is needed to successfully manage your dog’s disease. Things to be considered include:

• Daily insulin injections are needed to regulate their insulin and blood glucose levels.
• Changes in their diet, like setting an everyday schedule or feeding your dog with a low-fat/protein-based dog food, will be needed in order to keep diabetes regulated.
• Persistent and regulated exercise is imperative to maintain your dog happy and healthy since this activity changes their blood glucose concentration levels.
• The most important thing to be considered is that your best adviser on this topic will always be your veterinarian. Don’t forget to take your dog regularly for checkups since your dog needs more attention than a non-diabetic dog.

Sadly, diabetes has no cure, but if monitored and treated correctly, your dog can live a happy and active life. As a final note, don’t forget to celebrate National Pet Diabetes Month which is this month!